Corsage assembly



March 29, 1966 J E 3,243,336

CORSAGE ASSEMBLY Original Filed Sept. 4, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l IN VENTOR.

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March 29, 1966 J, u 3,243,336

CORSAGE ASSEMBLY Original Filed Sept. 4,, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

(fO/UZ 0 United States Patent O 3,243,336 CORSAGE ASSEMBLY John F. Ange, 302 12th St., Fort Madison, Iowa Continuation of application Ser. No. 221,089, Sept. 4, 1962. This application Nov. 30, 1964, Ser. No. 421,139 2 Claims. (Cl. 16127) This invention relates to corsage assemblies and kits for making the same and has to do more particularly with an assembly formed from elements which can be quickly and easily assembled. This application is a continuation of an original application filed September 4, 1962, Serial No. 221,089.

customarily, corsage assemblies include a backing member formed from a plurality of natural or artificial leaves or other foliage, one or more live blossoms and a bow formed from ribbon, all securedtogether in an attractive manner. Such assemblies require considerable time to assemble. This is a serious disadvantage especially since corsages are often ordered during holidays when the florist is busy filling other orders. Moreover, the tying of the bow and assembly of the corsage require a substantial amount of skill and training to insure an attractive assembly.

The use of natural foliage has the disadvantage that it is possible to stain the dress of the wearer. This is especially true where the foliage has been moistened as by spraying and has not been dried out.

In accordance with the present invention, a corsage assembly is provided which includes a backing member formed of fabricated material either in the shape of foliage or other shape, a relatively rigid, preformed bow or like decorative member and a natural or artificial blossom or blossoms. The bow is provided with an attaching or securing member which passes around or through the appendage of the blossom such as the stem or calyx and through openings in the backing member and suitably secured to the backing member.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved corsage assembly which can be quickly and easily assembled by persons unskilled in the art of corsage making.

Another object is to provide a corsage assembly which is sturdy in construction and incorporates a back to protect a blossom from damage.

Another object is to provide a corsage wherein is provided a backing member and a preformed bow of such construction that they can quickly and easily be assembled with a blossom or blossoms by an unskilled person to form a corsage assembly.

Another object is to provide a corsage assembly including a backing member and a preformed bow which can be used repeatedly with different blossoms to form a corsage assembly.

A further object is to provide a corsage assembly having means for preserving the freshness of the blossom.

Still another object is to provide a backing member and preformed bow of such form that they can be assembled readily with a blossom which is either natural or artificial to form a corsage assembly.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description taken in connection with the appended drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of corsage assembly formed in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a rear elevational view of the preformed bow portion of the corsage assembly of FIG. 1;

FIGURE 3 is a rear elevational view of the preformed bow assembled with the blossom;

FIGURE 4 is a rear elevational view of the entire assembly;

Patented Mar. 29, 1966 "ice FIGURE 5 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the invention; and

FIGURE 6 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 4, the corsage assembly of my invention includes a backing member 10, a preformed bow 11 and a blossom 12, all secured together as hereinafter explained to form a corsage assembly.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the backing member 11} is stiff and shape-retaining and takes the shape of natural foliage and preferably a leaf or a plurality of leaves 13. The backing member preferably is a single member or a plurality of members secured together, as by staples 14, to form a unitary member. Inasmuch as commercially available artificial leaves are generally provided with stems, the leaves 13 are shown in the drawings as having stems 15. However, where the leaves are secured together, it is not necessary to provide stems and they may be omitted.

The backing member is formed artifically as contrasted with natural foliage. It is formed of a material which has sufficient strength for the purpose of holding the blossom and preformed bow and which is relatively permanent and non-wilting. Also, the material is one which will not absorb excessive moisture from the blossom. For this purpose many materials are suitable, including synthetic plastics and satin cloth which is suitably stiflened in a known manner. Instead of being formed to represent foliage, the backing member may take the shape of a mat or shield of attractive shape.

The backing member is formed with an opening 16 therein and preferably at least two such openings are provided. The openings 16 are preferably formed by eyelets 17 which prevent damage to the backing member during assembling of the corsage assembly and during use thereof. The openings 16 are preferably located near the base of the backing member and on opposite sides of the vertical center line thereof. If desired, an additional pair of holes may be provided for receiving a pin which attaches the corsage to the dress of the wearer.

The flower or blossom 12, which for purposes of illustration is a rose, preferably is a natural one but an artificial flower or blossom of known material may be used. The blossom has the usual corolla or petals 18 and an appendage which includes a stem 19 and a calyx 20. Any type of blossom of suitable size and attractiveness may be used. While preferably a single blossom is used, nevertheless, whether the blossom is small as, for example, a rosebud, two or more blossoms may be used.

The preformed bow 11 is relatively rigid being preferably formed from a stiff ribbon 21 rather than a limp type ribbon as is commonly used in making bows for corsages. While it is preferred to use satin ribbon, other materials such as a synthetic material, cloth or paper may be used. The bow may take any suitable, attractive form but preferably it takes the form of a multiple relatively large bow, The ends of the ribbon are suitably secured together as by a staple 22 or by a suitable adhesive (not shown).

Suitably secured to the back of the bow, as by the staple 22, is an elongate attaching or securing member 23 which preferably takes the form of a covered wire which is shape-sustaining but is sufliciently deformable for the purposes hereinafter described.

The corsage is assembled by placing the flower 12 against the backing member 10 and then placing the bow 11 in front of and partially over the flower and passing the two ends of the securing member 23 through the two eyelets 17 and by interconnecting the ends of the securing member 23 on the opposite side of the backing member from the flower and bow as by twisting the ends together, as seen particularly in FIG. 4 of the drawings.

Alternatively, the flower 12 may be connected to the bow 11 by passing the two ends of the securing member 23 around the stem 19 and then twisting the ends together, whereafter the ends are passed through the eyelets 17, respectively, and then twisted together behind the backing member 10. This arrangement is used particularly where the stem of the flower is relatively smooth and the flower might become dislodge-d from the corsage assembly if this arrangement were not employed.

The relatively rigid or stiif bow 11 thus overlies a substantial portion of the flower 12 and holds it in a fixed position against the backing member 10 thereby preventing relative movement between the flower 12 and the backing member 10. Moreover, the bow 11 extends forwardly of the flower blossom so as to guard it against damage by brushing against other objects. Accordingly, even though the flower stem is not wrapped with wire and secured to wired leaf stems as in the conventional prior art type of corsage, the flower 12 is, nevertheless, securely held in the corsage assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention which is particularly well adapted for use with a blossom having a large calyx, such as a carnation. In this form of the invention the backing member 110 may be formed as above-described and is provided with openings 116 by means of eyelets 117 as aboveexplained.

The bow 111 may be formed in any suitable manner and may be similar to the bow 11 but for purposes of illustration is shown as more pointed.

Extending through the back of the bow 111 and carried thereby is a stud 130 having a head 131, a shank 132 and a point 133. Extending through the shank 132 is an elongate securing member 123 which may be formed of covered wire.

The flower 112 as above-stated has a relatively large calyx 120 and a stem 119.

The corsage assembly of FIG. is assembled by placing the flower 112 against the backing member 110 and by inserting the stud 130 into (or through) the calyx 120 and by passing the ends of the securing member 123 around the calyx and through the openings 116, respectively, and by interconnecting the ends on the opposite side of the backing member 110 from the bow 111 as by twisting the ends together in a manner which is not shown in FIG, 5 but which is similar to that shown in FIG. 4.

It is often desirable to provide the corsage assembly with means for maintaining the freshness of the blossom and to this end I provide a water receptacle 240 formed of glass or synthetic plastic material, preferably the latter, which receptacle takes the form of a tube 241 closed at one end and open at the other. The tube .241 is adapted to contain water, and in order to prevent" leakage of water from the tube a water absorbing member 242 formed of spongy material is inserted in the tube in position to bear against the stem 219 of the flower 212 when the stem is inserted in the tube 241. Ordinarily only enough water is place-d in the tube 241 to thoroughly saturate the water retaining member 242 so that there is no leakage or spillage of water from the receptacle 240. However, it sometimes has been found desirable to provide a cap 243 for closing the open end of the tube 241, which cap is formed preferably from a synthetic plastic material and is snugly fitted in the open end of the tube 241 and forms a part of the receptacle 240. The cap 243 is formed with a slotted opening 244 consisting either of a single slot or a plurality of slots in star form as shown, adapted to receive the stem 219.

Where a cap such as the cap 243 is used, it is not always necessary to provide a water absorbing member such as the member 242 and the latter may be dispensed with.

The bow 211 may take any suitable form and has a securing member 223 preferably formed of covered wire attached thereto as by a staple 222.

The corsage assembly of FIG. 6 is assembled by inserting the stem 219 of the flower 212 through the opening 244 and into the tube 241. The receptacle 240 is then placed against the front of the backing member 210 and the bow 211 is assembled on front of the receptacle 240, and the ends of the securing member 223 passed around the receptacle 240 and through the openings 216, respectively, defined by the eyelets 217. The ends of the securing member 223 are then interconnected as by twisting them together on the opposite side of the backing member 210 from the receptacle 240.

It will be understood that in all forms of the invention the blossom may be any one that is suitable for use in making a corsage. Where the stem is not strong enough to support the blossom on the backing member, a reinforcing wire (not shown) may be used in a manner similar to that in which reinforcing wires are used in forming corsages in the manner heretofore employed.

Customarily, corsages are made by the florists because of the skill required to assemble them. By the use of the present invention a corsage can be assembled by a person who is relatively unskilled. Hence, almost any employee of the florist or even a customer can assemble the corsage assembly using the components in accordance with the invention. This makes possible and practicable a novel merchandising .plan not heretofore employed. Under such plan a backing member and preformed bow constructed in accordance with the present invention are enclosed with each package of cut flowers of types suitable for forming corsages such as roses or carnations. The customer can then display the cut flowers in the usual manner in a vase. However, the customer can also form a corsage assembly by cutting the stem of one of the flowers to a suitable length and assembling it with a bE'fEking member and a preformed bow. The backing member and preformed ribbon can be furnished on order for a small additional charge or can be furnished gratis as a sales inducement or advertising feature of the florists service.

The backing member and the preformed bow are formed of materials such that they may be used repeatedly and it is necessary only to replace the blossom when it becomes wilted. Since the backing member is formed of fabricated or synthetic material, it will not wilt but will preserve its fresh appearance for a considerable period of use as will the preformed bow.

It will be understood, of course, that the backing member and preformed bow can be sold separately from the blossom so that the purchaser can form a corsage assembly from any suitable available blossom as, for example one from his own garden.

I claim:

1. A corsage assembly comprising,

a relatively stiff, decorative, sheet-like, leaf-shaped unitary backing element having a front and a rear face and having two openings therethrough, and forming a background for the assembly,

a flower blossom having a calyx and a stem, said blos som being disposed against the front face of said backing element adjacent said openings with a substantial portion of said backing element extending outwardly beyond the edges of said blossom,

a ribbon formed in a relatively stiff, preformed bow and disposed over said blossom,

said bow completely covering said calyx and extend-- ing a substantial distance beyond the sides of said calyx into frictional engagement with said backing; element,

an elongate, flexible fastening element fixedly secured to said bow, said fastening element passing around opposite sides;

of said blossom in frictional engagement therewith and through said openings to secure said bow to said backing element and to secure said blossom to said bow and to said backing element between said bow and said backing element,

whereby said bow overlies and is compressed against said blossom and said backing element and holds said blossom firmly against said backing element thereby preventing relative movement between said how, said blossom and said backing element.

2. A method of making a corsage comprising the steps of placing a flower blossom with the calyx and a portion of the stem intact directly against a decorative, leafshaped backing element,

placing a relatively stiff, preformed ribbon bow having a pair of elongate fastening elements secured thereto over said calyx and stem portion of said flower blossom,

then threading said elongate fastening elements through a pair of openings in said backing element References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Bennett 1619 X Meldrum 16110 X James 16127 Todd et al. 245

Kravig et al. 1611O FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain.

20 EARL M. BERGERT, Primary Examiner.

JACOB STEINBERG, Examiner. 

1. A CORSAGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING, A RELATIVELY STIFF, DECORATIVE, SHEET-LIKE, LEAF-SHAPED UNITARY BACKING ELEMENT HAVING A FRONT AND A REAR FACE AND HAVING TWO OPENINGS THERETHROUGH, AND FORMING A BACKGROUND FOR THE ASSEMBLY A FLOWER BLOSSOM HAVING A CALYX AND A STEM, SAID BLOSSOM BEING DISPOSED AGAINST THE FRONT FACE OF SAID BACKING ELEMENT ADJACENT SAID OPENINGS WITH A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF SAID BACKING ELEMENT EXTENDING OUTWARDLY BEYOND THE EDGES OF SAID BLOSSOM, A RIBBON FORMED IN A RELATIVELY STIFF, PREFORMED BOW AND DISPOSED OVER SAID BLOSSOM, SAID BOW COMPLETELY COVERING SAID CALYX AND EXTENDING A SUBSTANTIAL DISTANCE BEYOND THE SIDES OF SAID CALYX INTO FRICTIONAL ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID BACKING ELEMENT, AN ELONGATE, FLEXIBLE FASTENING ELEMENT FIXEDLY SECURED TO SAID BOW, SAID FASTENING ELEMENT PASSING AROUND OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID BLOSSOM IN FRICTIONAL ENGAGEMENT THEREWITH AND THROUGH SAID OPENINGS TO SECURE SAD BOW TO SAID BACKING ELEMENT AND TO SECURE SAID BLOSSOM TO SAID BOW AND TO SAID BACKING ELEMENT BETWEEN SAID BOW AND SAID BACKING ELEMENT, WHEREBY SAID BOW OVERLIES AND IS COMPRESSED AGAINST SAID BLOSSOM AND SAID BACKING ELEMENT AND HOLDS SAID BLOSSOM FIRMLY AGAINST SAID BACKING ELEMENT THEREBY PREVENTING RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN SAID BOW, SAID BLOSSOM AND SAID BACKING ELEMENT. 